groundcover

Little Ruby Alternanthera

Alternanthera dentata 'Little Ruby'

The Story

Plant Bio

Alternanthera dentata is a tender herbaceous perennial native to South America and the West Indies, widely grown for its colorful foliage. The species typically produces broad, dark leaves and small, inconspicuous clusters of white flowers on sprawling stems.

'Little Ruby' is a compact, mounding selection that grows to about one-third the size of the wild species, forming a dense groundcover. Its glossy, oval leaves display a deep burgundy-purple to rich ruby-red coloration with dark undersides, which intensifies and glows when backlit by full sunlight.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking, year-round deep burgundy and ruby-red foliage that intensifies in full sun.

Functions as a fast-growing, low-growing groundcover that suppresses weeds once established.

Inconspicuous flowers provide occasional nectar for small generalist native bees and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

14"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial (Annual in cold climates)

Native To

South America and West Indies

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, humus-rich, and exceptionally well-drained soil.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow the spreading, mounding habit to fill in as a dense groundcover.
Water regularly after planting to keep the soil consistently moist until the root system is fully established.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in spring to support vigorous foliage growth throughout the season.

Pro Tip

Grow this cultivar in full sun rather than shade; lower light levels cause the deep burgundy foliage to fade to a dull green and result in a loose, leggy growth habit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Tip-prune regularly during the active growing season to encourage dense branching and maintain a compact form.
Provide supplemental watering during dry spells to prevent leaf drop and a ragged appearance.
Plant in a location with excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy shade, which turns the vibrant ruby foliage a dull green.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or let the plant sit in standing water.
Do not leave the plant unprotected in regions that experience heavy winter freezes.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass planting as a colorful groundcoverBorder edging along pathwaysAccent plant in mixed containers

Companion Plants

Ipomoea batatas Lantana camara Pentas lanceolata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Ruby Alternanthera questions

What zones can Little Ruby Alternanthera grow in?

Little Ruby Alternanthera is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Little Ruby Alternanthera deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Little Ruby Alternanthera, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Little Ruby Alternanthera bloom?

Little Ruby Alternanthera typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Little Ruby Alternanthera need full sun?

Little Ruby Alternanthera does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Little Ruby Alternanthera drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Little Ruby Alternanthera handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.